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A Week in...
 

A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Kraków & Budapest

9 days |  11 days with Budapest extension
9 days |  11 days with Budapest extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.1 star rating

25
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Spend a week tracing the shared history of four distinct nations.

Eastern Europe was at the center of many of the 20th century’s most significant political movements. Travel to Prague, Kraków, Budapest, the rural High Tatras mountains, and the Tokaj wine region to understand how the area’s complex past has shaped each destination’s culture. As you venture from city to countryside, learn about the local traditions from the resilient people who call this region home.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
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Included highlights

  • Prague Castle
  • Wawel Cathedral
  • Slovakian cheesemaking demonstration
  • Kežmarok
  • Tokaj wine tasting
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Prague today.

Prague2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Prague
Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to the Czech Republic! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Prague
Included meal: Breakfast

Discover why Prague is known as the “City of One Hundred Spires” on a guided tour.

  • Visit Prague Castle, from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire
  • Admire the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Walk down to the Malá Strana district to sip a coffee at a local cafe
  • Cross the elegant Charles Bridge for breathtaking views of the city
  • Stroll through Old Town Square to view the 15th-century Astronomical Clock

Enjoy free time in Prague or add an excursion.

Evening in Prague: River Cruise & Dinner

From $135 per person

Kraków2 nights
Day 4: Transfer to Kraków
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Kraków, Poland and spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Polish Cooking Demonstration & Dinner

From $149 per person

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Kraków
Included meal: Breakfast

Meet your local guide for a tour of Kraków, Poland’s former royal capital.

  • Pass Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory and visit the old Jewish ghetto
  • Discover Wawel Hill, perched high above the Vistula River
  • Visit Wawel Cathedral to see where Polish kings were crowned
  • Stroll past beautiful Sukiennice Cloth Hall and the Jagiellonian University, arriving in Glowny Square

Enjoy free time in Kraków or add an excursion.

Auschwitz

From $89 per person

High Tatras Region1 night
Day 6: High Tatras Region via Ždiar, cheesemaking demonstration & Kežmarok
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Travel to the High Tatras region to soak in the mountain views and experience the culture of the Slovakian countryside.

  • Stop in the tiny village of Ždiar to view the painted wooden houses the area is known for
  • Visit a Slovakian farm to meet a cheesemaker at their workshop and see how they make ornate egg-shaped cheese blocks
  • Enjoy a tasting of Salash cheese paired with a glass of wine
  • Visit Kežmarok and enter the town’s UNESCO-listed wooden articular church to learn about its fascinating history

Continue on to your hotel in the High Tatras region and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Please note: The order of today’s activities is subject to change.

Budapest 2 nights
Day 7: Budapest via Tokaj wine region
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting

Pass through the rolling hills of the Slovakian countryside and cross into Hungary to visit the Tokaj wine region.

  • Discover the history of Europe’s first appellation, or controlled wine region
  • Learn about the regulations winemakers must follow in order to create a true Tokaj wine and how these rules inspired the designation of other appellations including Champagne, Chianti, and Burgundy
  • Tour the vineyard and wine cellar to hear about the characteristics of the wine
  • Sample four types of Tokaj wine, including the famous sweet dessert varietal
  • Sit down to enjoy a lunch of Hungarian specialties at the winery

After, continue on to Budapest.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Budapest
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the landmarks of both Buda and Pest in the city that straddles east and west.

  • Trace this nation’s stormy history at Heroes’ Square
  • Enter the lavishly decorated Hungarian Parliament Building and take a guided tour
  • Cross the Danube to Buda and ascend Castle Hill
  • Take in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Step inside the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hapsburg coronations

Celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Budapest
What’s not to love about seeing stunning Art Nouveau architecture, or sipping really (really) good coffee inside historic coffee houses pretty enough to be palaces? Extend your adventure in the Pearl of the Danube to savor moments like this with your Tour Director’s expert guidance.
Budapest2 nights
Day 9: Free day in Budapest
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Budapest or add and excursion.

Budapest: A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain

From $115 per person

Day 10: Free day in Budapest
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Budapest or add an excursion.

Raise a glass and toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Budapest Bath & Spa Visit

From $115 per person

Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
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Reviews

4.1 star rating

Overall rating 4.1 out of 5

Based on 25 authentic traveler reviews
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    4.0 star rating

    A Week in Eastern Europe September 2023
    9/9/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous

    My husband and I just completed a tour of eastern Europe. Our group was small being only 18 people. Our tour guide, Tanja and our bus driver, Vlad were both very good; attentive and approachable. The tour was nice; not too rushed and we saw many wonderful sites. As always, the city( included tou...

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    5.0 star rating

    A Week in Wonderland!
    9/9/23 by 2nd-time traveler David

    I just finished a magical tour of Eastern Europe headed by our magnificent tour director, Tanya. The tour director can make or break a tour and Tanya's attention to every detail made this tour perfect. The group was so congenial and our bus became a touring wonderland with lots of humor, interesti...

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    4.0 star rating

    7/15/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    NH Prague City
    NH Prague City

    This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and tennis court. Nearby, you...

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    Qubus Hotel Kraków
    Qubus Hotel Kraków

    This modern hotel is located in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. Guests enjoy a jazz club, Turkish bath, and boat cruises. Nearby, you’ll find the Gh...

    Read more +
    Grand Hotel Praha
    Grand Hotel Praha

    This historic hotel is located in the Old Town. Guests enjoy a cafe, lounge, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Hall, and ...

    Read more +
    Radisson Blu Beke Hotel
    Radisson Blu Beke Hotel

    This elegant, traditional hotel is located in Terézváros. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool, laundry services, and a restaurant. Nearby, you'll fin...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • This tour visits the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code WEE.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain with some cobblestone streets, hills, and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Prague and depart from Budapest. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code WEE.
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    Cuisine
    • Czech food is hearty, and you’ll find large portions of veal, beef, and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.
    • When in Poland, fill up on favorites like kielbasa and pierogi. Don’t miss out on trying the bagels—they were born here.
    • Slovakian cuisine shares many characteristics with its neighbors. Dishes are rooted in a history where villages had to be self-sufficient, and easy-to-preserve staples like wheat, potatoes, pork, onions, and sauerkraut remain favorites.
    • Hungary claims goulash as its national dish, but also is known for excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish, and preserved fruits.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic, the Polish złoty in Poland, the euro in Slovakia, and the Hungarian forint in Hungary.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency or USD. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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